Bengaluru troubled by industrial unrest

Bengaluru troubled by industrial unrest

Two days after the Toyota Kirloskar Motor management declared a lockout at two of the company’s car manufacturing units in Bidadi, near Bengaluru, the workers’ union on Tuesday indicated a softening of stance, appealing for an immediate lifting of the lockout and resumption of production.

Toyota’s is not an isolated case of labour unrest in the region.

Bengaluru’s manufacturing sector has in the past few years witnessed one of its worst phases, thanks to labour unrest in the region’s industrial hub.

Click NEXT to read further. . .

Image: A man walks past a logo of Toyota Motor at its dealers shop.Photographs: Toru Hanai/Reuters

Bengaluru troubled by industrial unrest

Last year, the city’s Bosch and Parle factories faced strikes by employees.

While Bosch managed to resolve the issue, Parle was forced to shut down its facility on the outskirts of Bengaluru.

At present, three of the five large companies facing labour unrest have declared lockouts at their respective factories in and around Bengaluru, rendering thousands of people jobless, albeit temporarily.

Besides, workers resorted to strike at Coca-Cola’s factory to press their demands, and at agriculture machinery maker Fowler Westrup’s unit since March 12 last year for higher pay.

Click NEXT to read further. . .

Image: At present, three of the five large companies facing labour unrest have declared lockouts at their respective factories in and around Bengaluru, rendering thousands of people jobless, albeit temporarily.Photographs: Rediff Archives

Bengaluru troubled by industrial unrest

This year, the workers’ union at the plant demand a wage increase to the extent of Rs 22,000 a month.

Though the management clarified the unit would not be able to bear the additional financial burden and urged the union lower its demand to a reasonable level, the workers refused to budge.

The executives of Bombay Rayon and Stumpp Shuele were unavailable for comments.

About the former’s problems, Karnataka Employers’ Association President B C Prabhakar said: “The management gave substantial ad-hoc increase to ensure the workmen got the benefit and the company was made to pay additional bonus after the protest by the workers.

Click NEXT to read further. . .

The image is used for representational purpose only

Image: Though the management clarified the unit would not be able to bear the additional financial burden and urged the union lower its demand to a reasonable level, the workers refused to budge.

Bengaluru troubled by industrial unrest

The employees have been demanding a hike of Rs 4,000 a month, across the board, while the management has offered to pay only Rs 3,050.

The talks are stuck at present.

On the stir at Hindustan Coca Cola Beverages’ factory, the company said in a statement: “The Memorandum of Settlement dated October 18, 2010, entered into between the company and employees union expired on June 30, 2013.

“Several rounds of negotiations have taken place on the union’s demands and the management proposals thereon.

“While under discussion, the union has served notice of strike with effect from March 14, 2014.

Click NEXT to read further. . .

Image: Patrons taste varieties of Coca-Cola at the World of Coca-Cola in Atlanta, Georgia, United States.Photographs: Tami Chappell/Reuters